The Guardian’s new Local Government Network

As some of you may be aware, the Guardian launched its new Local Government Network website at the end of last week. We went to meet them yesterday to find out a bit more about them.

What’s really interesting about them is the editorial approach of the site. Editor Harriet Minter was very clear that she wanted the users of the site to shape and mould the platform with their collective expertise and insight.

In other words, this is a network designed for conversation rather than news. That’s the right way forward for local government. The LGiU’s found that some of the best work in councils goes on in cross-party scrutiny committees (and, as we would say, our learning networks).

It’s great to see councillors from different areas of the country comparing and contrasting ideas. If the Guardian can facilitate more network opportunities, then that’s good news for local government. It’ll be interesting to see how this one develops. They’ll also be launching sites dedicated to social enterprise, the voluntary sector, housing and finally health in the next couple of weeks.